The Church Triumphant
For too many people, the book of Revelation is something mysterious, that we cannot really grasp. But the truth is that it is meant to reveal to us the things that we should know about Jesus.
As we go through our lives we are going to experience trials and troubles every day of our lives. These troubles are the effect of the great tribulation that we are living through. It would be easy for us to fall into despair from all this, but then here we are given a peek into the very throne room of God.
What we see there is a message of hope. Things will be bad for us here, but at Jesus’ return we will be rescued from all this, and given places of honor in His eternal kingdom.
Today’s sermon is based on text from Revelation 7,
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
Revelation 7:9-15
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
Click here for this week’s bulletin or scroll past the Announcements to view it.
Announcements
Our doors are open. We are holding the Divine Service again and it is a delight to see familiar faces. Please come prepared with a face mask or covering and new rules to follow. There will NOT be Sunday School but we will continue to hold the Divine Service at 11 am. You can read the full policy here. Another post covers the highlights.
Wednesday Bible Study – JOIN US. We meet via Zoom at 7 pm. Contact Pastor Jenson or Milton for the Zoom information.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James Post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.